The writers at Kuyperian give our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in Charleston on June 17. One might wonder if the nation even remembers Charleston. In the span of two weeks we’ve already changed topics at least three times: to the Confederate flag, then Obamacare subsidies, and now the nationalization of gay marriage. Sometimes our attention span is too short for its own good. But we know that you have not moved on. We mourn with you and are praying that the peace of Christ would continue to fill your hearts and minds during this time.
In response to this tragic loss you were a witness of God’s mercy. When confronting the killer, you urged him to repent and offered him forgiveness. You followed the examples of Jesus and Stephen (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60). Dylann Roof was an agent of death and yet you gave him the words of eternal life. That seems so foolish; it is antithetical to man’s every inclination. But your actions displayed the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). You proclaimed the gospel to our nation and to the world. We are grateful for your testimony, as it encourages us to be so bold.
The nine people who died that night are playing a significant role in the growth of Christ’s kingdom. Though the killer was motivated by racial hatred we ought not forget that this tragedy took place in a church, directed towards Christians. Intended or not, this attack on race became an attack on the church simultaneously.
Dylann Roof was not very strategic. He must not have known that making martyrs out of Christians only creates more of them. Tertullian’s words have proven true throughout history: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” The spread of Christianity has always been founded on human sacrifice. We are not called to provoke violence, rather we are called to be victims of violence just as Jesus and the apostles were. Being “faithful unto death” is the means by which we achieve the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).
Be encouraged that your loved ones did not die in vain. The drama of the crucifixion is retold each time a Christian is killed by a communist dictator, an Islamic regime, or a vigilante gunman. We are “carrying the death of Jesus” in our bodies so that his life may be manifested (2 Cor. 4:10). We can rejoice in suffering knowing that it contributes to the advancement of the kingdom, which will also advance racial harmony and peace. We already see Christians of all colors banding together closer than before. What was meant to divide, God used to unite. Dylann Roof’s race war will not see fruition. We have your faithfulness to thank for that.
Kuyperian Commentary denounces all forms of racism wherever it may exist. We pray that justice be granted to the victims and for God to deal with Dylann Roof as he sees fit.
